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    The Guilty One: A Novel
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    The Guilty One: A Novel
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    The Guilty One: A Novel
    Ebook472 pages8 hours

    The Guilty One: A Novel

    By Lisa Ballantyne

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Moving and suspenseful, Lisa Ballantyne’s The Guilty One is a psychological thriller about the darkness in each of us. It explores how we are all tied to our pasts, and what it means to be guilty.

    Solicitor Daniel Hunter is called to defend 11-year-old Sebastian who has been charged with the murder of a young boy on a London playground. While examining Sebastian’s life in order to save it, Daniel can’t help but be transported to his own difficult youth spent in foster care—a time when the one he trusted the most was the one who betrayed him…

    Emotionally wrought, and with an abundance of twists and turns, The Guilty One is a character-driven novel of suspense that explores the true nature of guilt.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateMar 19, 2013
    ISBN9780062195531
    Author

    Lisa Ballantyne

    Lisa Ballantyne is the author of the Edgar Award-nominated The Guilty One. She lived and worked in China for many years and started writing seriously while she was there. Ballantyne now lives in Glasgow, Scotland.

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    Reviews for The Guilty One

    3.5/5

    118 ratings14 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Daniel Hunter is no stranger to lost causes. In fact, there was a time, not too long ago, when he himself was seen as a lost cause. His mother was a junkie, so he spent most of his childhood dependent upon the state to place him in proper care. He always felt a constant need to look after his mother, even sacrificing his own needs for her benefit.

      Fast forward a few years, and Daniel is a successful solicitor working in London. His own troubled background has provided him with the unique ability to defend troubled youth. After the unexpected death of an eight-year-old boy, found dead in a playground, he is called to defend the eleven-year-old neighbor, Sebastian Croll, accused of murdering the other boy. Instantly, Daniel feels a connection to Sebastian. The young boy is surprisingly aware of his situation, and consistently declares his innocence. But there is something unsettling about the boy. He seems strangely fascinated with the details of the other boy's death, and displays an unusual interest in topics that most would find disturbing.

      The only flaw I could find with this book was that at 445 pages it was about 100 pages too long. There was so much background on Daniel's early years that you just wanted to yell at the author to get on with it. t.it would have been nice if the trial could have had more detail and we could have had more insight into Sabastian's personality before the accused crime. But overall it was interesting and well worth the time to read.
    • 5/5
      In The Guilty One, Lisa Ballantyne's debut novel, eleven-year-old Sebastian Croll is accused of killing an eight-year-old neighbor. Daniel Hunter is his assigned solicitor for the defense. While trying to defend Sebastian, Daniel reflects on his own very troubled childhood. The case coincides with the death of Minnie, the woman who was Daniel's foster parent and who later adopted him.

      Daniel had cut off all contact with Minnie, but the trial and Minnie's death has made Daniel introspective - pondering his past actions while defending a present day troubled child. The chapters alternate between the uneasy and anxious present day defense and trial of Sebastian with the disturbed and resentful past of Daniel. As we slowly follow the progress of Sebastian's case we also learn more about Daniel's past until both storylines culminate in some uneasy revelations and insight. Minnie both betrayed and saved Daniel. Will the same be said about Sebastian, who is currently living in a very dysfunctional family.

      Ballantyne expertly delves into this tense exploration of childhood violence and the root causes of its manifestation, and, ultimately, the potential power of forgiveness and redemption of love. We know the two mysteries right at the start: Sebastian may have killed a child and Daniel has been estranged for 15 years from his now deceased mother. What keeps you reading with breakneck anticipation is the slowly revealed facts about both mysteries. Daniel certainly had anger and rage inside him as a child and Minnie had the patience of a saint with him. Why was he estranged from her? Is Sebastian also filled with uncontrollable rage, or was it a stranger who killed 8 year old Benjamin?

      I appreciated the alternating chapters and the unfolding of both stories. The writing is superb and the descriptions are atmospheric and very realistic. (Some descriptions are intense and could be disturbing for some readers.) All I can say is that I flew through this book and was very satisfied with the conclusion of both the story lines. Yes, I did cringe at times, and my heart broke at other points, but this was a thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery that I very highly recommend.


      Disclosure: I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher and TLC for review purposes.


    • 4/5
      The Guilty One When a senseless murder rocks London, Daniel Hunter is assigned to the case. Used to being a voice for troubled youth, it's easy to see why this case is so close to his heart. See, Daniel himself was a troubled youth. He navigated the system, he knows what it's like to feel lost and confused. I think this is why I really liked him as a character. Daniel may be a little blinded by is past at times, but he's definitely got a big heart.

      Lisa Ballantyne weaves a story that touches on many issues, from morality to mortality, and from childhood to adulthood. Split between scenes from the past and present, each chapter slowly unravels more of both Daniel and Sebastian's stories. I couldn't help but see the similarities between the two of them. Even when I thought I might know what was going to happen next, one of them would do something that completely rocked my world. Ballantyne shows that sometimes it only takes one person's influence to craft what our childhood will turn into.

      From a forensic and courtroom standpoint, I think this book is also very well done. It is almost as if you are living the trial with Daniel and his ward. Every piece of evidence, any motivations, all of it is laid out in a way that is easy and enjoyable to follow. I can't say that I didn't eventually figure out what the ending would be. However the writing was more than enough to keep reading on to the end, and of course I wanted to make sure I was correct.

      The Guilty One is a book that is well worth your time. Readers who enjoy a good crime thriller will absolutely be drawn in, but even those who normally don't read this genre (like myself) will find a lot to love. Dealing with human nature and behavior, this is very layered read that still feels like it zips by in no time at all. Give it a place on your reading list. I can guarantee you won't be sorry.
    • 5/5
      I can't wait to read another from this author
    • 4/5
      This is quite a good book. It tells the story of Daniel Hunter a lawyer defending Sebastian an 11 year old boy accused of killing a younger boy in the swing park. Daniel feels for Sebastian as he had a bit of a traumatic childhood when he grew up. The chapters in the book jump from past to present. Past was when Daniel was fostered then adopted by Millie a bit of an eccentric Farmer in Cumbria. Daniel at first was resentful of Minnie then he really likes her once he settles in. She lied to him about his Mum dying and when he was older found out never forgave her and never made peace with her. Back to the Courtroom drama and Daniel with the help of Irene gets Sebastian off. Sebastian then confesses that he was guilty of murder. Lots of strong characters in this book.
    • 4/5
      The Guilty One is an unconventional crime novel that takes its inspiration from the chilling modern phenomenon of violent crimes committed by children against other children. Daniel Hunter is a successful London lawyer in mid-career with a reputation for working with young offenders. When he is approached to take on the case of 11-year-old Sebastian Croll, he does not hesitate to accept. Sebastian is accused of the chaotic and bloody murder of 8-year-old Ben Stokes, whose body was discovered in a playground. Because he grew up in an unstable household—with an unreliable, drug-addicted mother whose boyfriends often beat him—and subsequently committed a variety of offences himself, Daniel is sensitive to Sebastian’s plight. Daniel knows he was lucky, even though he was removed from his home and placed in foster care. Daniel’s anger and often violent behaviour marked him as a hard case, and as a last resort he ended up with Minnie Flynn, an older woman living on a run-down farm in Brampton. Having grown up in the city of Newcastle, Daniel initially found Minnie’s hand to mouth existence and simple ways foolish and odd. Distrustful of all adults, he lashed out and repeatedly ran away, in search of his mother. However, Minnie was patient with him and refused to be intimidated. She let Daniel know that she understood his fear but that she also had expectations. Eventually, Daniel accepted his new situation and settled into life on the farm, even agreeing to let Minnie formally adopt him. Flash forward 25 or so years. Daniel knows what it is like to be small, helpless, and forced into a place where he doesn’t feel he belongs. He knows what it’s like to be so angry that hurting other people seems to make sense. His heart goes out to Sebastian Croll, but does empathy cloud his judgment? The case against Sebastian moves forward. The prosecution produces an eye-witness who saw the boys together on the afternoon of the murder, and others from Sebastian’s school and the neighbourhood where the crime took place who characterize Sebastian as a bully incapable of friendship. Though Daniel sometimes finds Sebastian unsettling and regards the boy’s interest in things related to death and blood unnatural, he tries not to let it distract him from his job. Moreover, Daniel can see that Sebastian has been affected by a less than ideal home life, with a self-medicating mother and a pushy, short-tempered father. Lisa Ballantyne’s novel proceeds along dual narrative lines: one thread following the case and Daniel’s defense strategy, the other showing us Daniel’s difficult childhood. The Guilty One is a smartly constructed novel that doles out clues in a deliberate manner, drawing the reader through its layered and complex plot toward a satisfying conclusion. In Daniel Hunter, Ballantyne has created an attractive and engaging protagonist, a young man riddled with self-doubt and regret, but also intelligent and self-aware. In this largely successful and highly entertaining debut novel, Lisa Ballantyne has written a dark and suspenseful legal procedural with a deeply affecting human dimension.
    • 4/5
      After reading Lisa Ballantyne's second book, Everything She Forgot, I wanted to get her first book as well. Finished it last night and enjoyed it almost as much. A very good debut novel. Two story lines, an eleven year old boy is on trial for the murder of an eight year old boy, and the back story of his lawyer, Daniel Hunter. Recommended!
    • 4/5
      This was a promising first novel by Lisa Ballantyne. It asks the question what makes one into the kind of person that could commit a violent crime. Is a person born with that tendancy or is it the result of environment and nurture. One of the two parallel stories in the book concerns Daniel Hunter a child who has had a very rough start to life. He did not know his father, had a drug addict mother who could not keep him, and moved through many foster homes before being adopted by Minnie and making something good of his life. He could have so easily gone off the rails but he didn't. But then Minnie does something that really upsets and angers him and he breaks off contact with her.He becomes a lawyer and the second plot line concerns an 11 year old boy he is defending, Sebastian, who has been accused of murdering an eight year old playmate. Sebastian has seen violence first hand in the home in his father's treatment of his mother and he reminds Daniel somewhat of himself as a child. The book gives a picture of the justice system in Britian where Sebastian can be tried in a court and give evidence himself. I enjoyed this book. I loved the character of Minnie who was so well drawn, and I loved the way she was able to get through to Daniel and make a difference. Sebastian was always a creepy character to me and the ending of his story was to me predictable but I was not so sure of the crime MInnie committed that upset Daniel so much. Worth a read.
    • 3/5
      First let me say that this is a well written book. It has two plot lines. The first is about a young boy who is accused of murdering one of his little friends and the ensuing court case and its after effects. The second plot is about the boys lawyer who has to come to grips with his estrangement from the lady who raised him as a child when he finds out she has just passed away. There are two mysteries here 1. How will the court case turn out and then what? and 2. what caused the lawyer to be estranged from his guardian?. The problem is that I am no wizard and I figured out the end of the book early on. If I can do, the book is way too predictable.
    • 4/5
      The Guilty One is Scottish author Lisa Ballantyne's debut novel. Ballantyne's premise is based on headlines we're all seen in newspapers - horrible, inexplicable crimes - children murdering children. Solicitor Daniel Hunter is called to take on the defense of eleven year old Sebastian. The charge is murdering his eight year old neighbour in a playground across from their homes. Initially reluctant, Daniel changes his mind after interviewing Sebastian. The boy reminds him of himself at that age.. Sebastian's home life is less than idyllic. Daniel's was downright turbulent - until a steadying hand entered his life. But still, there is something a bit off about the boy.... Ballantyne tells the story in alternating chapters from Daniel's viewpoint - past and present. As he seeks to defend Sebastian, we slowly but surely relive his own childhood. But could Daniel be letting his own emotions and experiences cloud his judgement? This is an effective technique - curiousity had me wanting to read just one more chapter.... I enjoyed Daniel's backstory very much. Minnie, the woman who takes on the young Daniel, was an absolutely wonderful character. Ballantyne does an excellent job depicting a child trying to cope with anger, loss and grief. The more we read of Daniel's story, we realize that he has not truly ever put those days behind him. He is still carrying around much anger and guilt. But, the present day chapters dealing with the trial just didn't seem as 'fleshed out' to me. Although we get some details regarding Sebastian's home life, they are never really explored. Sebastian as a character is well drawn - his comments, thoughts and mannerisms all paint a picture of a disturbed, creepy child. But does that make him guilty? The trial scenes were well done, but the middle of the book seemed to drag a bit, with some ground seeming to be covered over and over again. Ballantyne explores guilt with every character in mind - in addition to our two lead characters - the parents, neighbours and society all hold a degree of blame. The Guilty One is a disturbing comment on today's society. However, I was somewhat disappointed with the ending - it was almost predictable, as was the 'revelation' of Daniel's story. Still, I thought this was a really good debut.
    • 2/5
      I didn't love this book. I barely liked it. It was definitely just OK. The story goes back and forth between Daniel Hunter as an adult and Daniel Hunter as a child/young man. As an adult he's the lawyer for a little boy accused of murdering another little boy. As a child he's in the foster care system because his mom has drug issues. I was never sure if the "mystery" of the story was whether or not Sebastian murdered the other little boy or if it was trying to figure out why Daniel stopped talking to Minnie -- the woman who adopted him later.The title makes it pretty clear that at least either Daniel or Sebastian is guilty of something. I was far more interested in the Sebastian story. But I felt like the author was more interested in this 35-year-old man that couldn't forgive the woman that raised him instead he chose to pine after a mother that chose drugs over him.
    • 4/5
      I have to say that the The Guilty One is a tight well written story. The story vasselates between Daniel's time as a solicitor defending a young boy who was accused of killing a friend and Daniel's own troubled past. This a great, quickly paced murder mystery with some very compelling and richly written characters. It is interesting and you find yourself rapidly turning pages. The book is a bit on the long side at 451 pages, but keeps you interested and engaged throughout! Ballantyne is a promising writer and one to watch! 4 stars
    • 2/5
      Culture or nuture? What is the force behind violence, evil? How big share of the guilt is ours, for not doing, for not actively admitting our choice, for passively turning our backs to what happens in the private sphere? How old are we when we understand right from wrong?The questions are addressed and answered in a retro-70ties social-worker fashion. The questions are important, but when they are not handled beyond a mediocre mid-afternoon TV-coffee-crime, it is made into entertainment, which I cannot see help towards anything but the writer´s purse or dulling of the readers mind. An easy read, (a story with an unbeliveable frame once accepted, gives a foreseeable storyline, slightly soothing and comforting to the reader, whatever the story is). A time-consumer for those who have time to spend, as I had, trapped in transition between Australia and Europe, not tired enough to sleep, not awake enough for my e-reader, and with this book incidentally as the one at hand. The low score is as much a score for my dislike of comfort-food as for Ballantyne´s particular brand of it; She is neither worse nor better than the thirteen a dozen around.
    • 3/5
      I guessed the outcome of both scenarios before the end of the book so that was a little disappointing. I did enjoy this book though and admired Minnie's strength of character.